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Tiffany Shaw-Diaz

Podcasting in the City

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420772_355376381230788_1322605069_nPodcasts are undeniably popular, and they are also astoundingly diverse.  Take a quick peek through the iTunes store, and you’ll find podcasts about any topic that you imagine including news, comedy, art, food, natural living, and science, among other categories.

Thankfully, there is now a podcast exclusively about Dayton—its culture, people, businesses, politics, and lifestyles–to add to that burgeoning roster.

Launched just a few months ago, the Gem City Podcast is the brainchild of Eric Ruiz, a native of Tampa and Austin.  While Dayton is his adopted city, he feels a strong impetus to connect and grow with it.  “Dayton is my home; therefore, I feel obligated to make it an oasis of great people,” he stated.

Inspired by the popular comedy podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, Eric set out to create a show that was equally expressive and candid, all with the aim of boosting Dayton’s morale and promoting peace and good vibes. He attributes this to a radical inner transformation that he had a few years ago, which changed his perception of this world in and his place in it.  “My motivation is to take whatever place I’m at and set up a beacon of positivity,” he offered.  “From there, I want to help promote that and push away all the negativity I see in this world.”

To help him with the show’s production, he teamed up with Chris Jones, Russ Cope, and Chad Wells.  Ruiz notes that they all bring different strengths and perspectives to the table.  “I believe that with the four of us contributing and putting love into the show, we can only get better,” he offered.

Their teamwork is evident.  Even though the weekly podcast began in early May, they have landed some impressive guests, including business owners and Tommy Jones of The Dayton Scene.  They plan to add even more notable Dayton denizens to their line-up as they continue to reach out to Dayton’s multi-faceted community.

“I’m really excited about the amount of people we will be meeting and interviewing,” commented Chris Jones, the podcast’s tech guru.  “I love meeting and conversing with people who may have a different perspective than me. I feel that when you see the world through someone else’s eyes, it makes you a more diverse person. Even better, we get to share those stories and emotions with our listeners.”

Added Russ Cope, their producer, “Gem City Podcast’s goal is to connect our audience with the individuals who are making Dayton this unique blend of creativity, ingenuity, moxie, and tenacity.  We want to support and promote Dayton’s journey from a grassroots perspective, one interview at a time.”

The Gem City Podcast crew leisurely conducts each interview, often spending up to an hour with each guest, all with the intent to give him or her the opportunity to open up and share their thoughts.  While the program has an explicit rating on iTunes (where you can download episodes for free), the content is mostly tame, although the team doesn’t shy away from discussing mature topics or employing adult, albeit good-natured, humor.

Because it is a weekly production, there is an incredible amount of behind-the-scenes work that goes into designing the show.  This includes researching potential guests, securing interviews, and uploading episodes to various sites. The team also maintains Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube pages with the latest podcast updates and city news.

Considering the impressive amount of work that is involved in making the program a quality product, Ruiz noted that he is always looking for people to help share the load with their talents.  “We are a family, so anyone who has something to offer is welcome to do so, and together, we can accomplish more.”

Even though the Gem City Podcast is still in its infancy, it has cultivated quite an active following with both social media followers and downloads.  In fact, their first episode was so popular that they encountered some interesting complications as a result.

“The response has been more then we had expected,” said Ruiz.  “We overloaded our server, which was bad, but really great, too, in the sense that we found out people really are listening.  This makes me feel obligated to give them the best show I can.”

Given the outpouring of support, the Gem City Podcast is on the path to making an indelible mark in the Dayton community.  When asked about his plans for the show, Russ Cope, the producer, is adamant about the podcast’s role in promoting Dayton’s significance to a larger audience, especially its scientific and artistic impact.

Ruiz shares Cope’s admiration for Dayton, as well, and aims to change people’s perception of his chosen city, “I hope the podcast makes people more aware,” he said.  “Getting more positive thinking is my goal.”

Stargazing with the Miami Valley Astronomical Society

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sedona-has-fantasticIt’s natural to be curious about the universe.  Whether we casually peer through our living room window to observe the moon, or camp out in a remote area to view the stars, we have a strong impetus to connect with the world above us.

While it can be easy to find a few stars, the study of astronomy and the practice of stargazing can be ever-so complex.  Words like azimuth and occultation seem rather strange, yet they are routinely used in describing stars or solar events.  In addition, the coordinates used to pinpoint celestial objects seem as though they have been written in ancient Greek instead of Modern-day English.

Thankfully, star hunting newbies do have the chance to learn from astronomy buffs, so they can interpret the sky like the pros.  Since 1918, the Miami Valley Astronomical Society, or MVAS for short, has been providing stargazers with the opportunity to learn more about the heavens, along with the requisite tools to view it.  The first organization of its kind in the Dayton area, the founders included many notable public figures, such as former NCR president, Colonel Edward Deeds.

The MVAS currently has 130 members and is considered one of the largest astronomy clubs in the Ohio region.  Aside from hosting monthly meetings, the MVAS also facilitates star gazes, lectures, and several educational outreach programs for local schools and Scout organizations.

According to Linda Weiss, the events and outreach coordinator for the MVAS, this year in particular they have skyrocketed in membership across all demographics.  This has been due to the outpouring of recent astronomical events, such as the meteor that clipped Russia’s sky in February of this year, and the various meteor showers and comets that will traverse our sky soon.

Weiss recommends a pair of Oberwerk binoculars for the budding astronomer, since Oberwerk is a local company that will happily work with their opplanet-oberwerk-11x56customers to find the best tools for their experience level.  “You don’t always need equipment, either,” explains Weiss.  “You can see iridium flares, satellites, the International Space Station or a meteor show with the naked eye.”

To view satellites, Weiss says to look up at a pitch black sky and watch “for what appears to be a moving star.”  To see the International Space Station, which is surprisingly the third brightest object in the sky (next to the sun and the moon), you can visit NASA’s website to find out when it will cross your area via email and text alerts.

Weiss noted, “The key for stargazing is getting the right equipment for your skill level and not something too advanced.  Then, it’s all about having a dark sky, getting to know your objects (Smartphone apps help with that), and learning to stay up late, since many of the objects don’t rise until late at night or early in the morning.”

To garner interest in astronomy throughout the Miami Valley, the MVAS will host their annual Apollo Rendezvous from June 7th – 8th, which will be open ar2013_logoto the public (although registration is required).  The Rendezvous will take place at both the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery and the John Bryan State Park Observatory.  A long list of lectures from industry professionals, vendors, observings, door prizes, and raffles will be among the activities.

When questioned about common astronomy misconceptions, Weiss was quick with her answer: you can actually look at the sun.  “You just need a solar telescope or filters to do so,” she added.  “There have been a lot of prominences (bright, gaseous extensions) on the sun’s surface lately, so it’s been really cool to look at them.”

For people who are curious in astronomy, joining a group, like the MVAS, is helpful for a variety of reasons: you can glean valuable insight from other astronomers, learn how to use your equipment properly, gain access to books and equipment, and attend observings with some of the most robust telescopes in the region.

There are so many ways to discover the universe these days.  And thanks in part to significant advances in technology, such as apps and live telescope feeds, the universe is literally at your fingertips.  However, one of the prime ways to unite with the world around us is as old-fashioned as can be: simply step outside.  “Just look up,” mused Weiss.  “There is so much going on in the sky, not just at night, but in the daytime, too.  You don’t need expensive equipment to see or experience these things; all you need is the desire to do so.”

In addition to the annual Apollo Rendezvous, the MVAS will host “camper star gaze” events at the John Bryan State Park.  These events are open to the public, and the MVAS will provide telescopes and binoculars for guests/non-members.  The dates for these star gazes are May 25th, June 1st, June 22nd, July 6th, July 20th, August 17th, and August 31st.  All of these events begin at dusk and are weather permitting.

Your Guide to Living Gluten-Free in Dayton – 2013 Edition

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gluten-free-1Does Shredded Wheat leave your stomach…well, shredded?  Chances are you are in good company with the millions of Americans who have celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder that hinders one from properly digesting gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye).

While the words “autoimmune disorder” seem intimidating, treatment for celiac disease is actually rather simple: just adhere to a gluten-free diet.  Considering the burgeoning number of gluten-free food manufacturers, people who have celiac disease have more options than ever including gluten-free interpretations of pizza, bread, pasta, beer, and countless other items.

Below is a guide for local gluten-free (or gluten-free friendly) restaurants, bakeries, and support groups, along with grocery stores that sell a plethora of gluten-free items, making your expedition into this specialty diet easy as “GF” pie.

Restaurants

Sinfully Gluten-Free: Dayton’s only 100% dedicated gluten-free restaurant that serves pizzas, sandwiches, quiche, chicken 226498_210821785606517_3629000_nwings, and dessert items.

Olive, an Urban Dive: A localvore favorite.  The owners of the establishment welcome patrons with food sensitivities.  Upon request, they will even craft their sandwiches with the much-loved Udi’s gluten-free bread for a nominal charge.

The Green Nature Cafe: Located in Clayton, The Green Nature Cafe is Dayton’s latest organic hotspot.  They offer a wide spectrum of raw, vegan, and gluten-free selections.

Lucky’s Taproom & Eatery: A hip joint in the Oregon District serving up fine craft beers, soup, salads, and sandwiches.  They have many gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.

P.F. Chang’s: One of the first chain restaurants to provide a gluten-free menu.  They offer numerous Asian-fusion dishes on their impressive gluten-free menu.

The Rusty Bucket: A midwest chain with a stronghold in Ohio, they serve Americana fare.  They are known for their “gluten-free friendly” menu, which even has a list of gluten-free alcoholic drinks.

Butter Cafe: Socially informed and delectable.  You can order one of their sandwiches with gluten-free bread or have gluten-free toast with your breakfast order.

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Local Organic Broccoli Rabe, Gluten Free Pasta Salad! from The Chef Case

The Chef Case: Located in the 2nd Street Market, The Chef Case offers conscious cuisine with a focus on local, healthy dishes.  They serve individuals who follow a variety of special diets including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and casein-free.

Rue Dumaine: American-meets-French cuisine from expert chef, Anne Kearney.  They are gluten-free aware and happy to assist people with special dietary needs.

El Meson: A mainstay of West Carrollton, this upscale restaurant specializes in Spanish and Latin American food.  Many of the dishes are naturally gluten-free, and the staff is gluten-free conscious.

Uno’s: Conveniently located across from the Schuster Center, Uno’s has a gluten-free menu that includes pizzas, burgers, and beers.

The Melting Pot: An elegant fondue chain located in Centerville, they have a three-course, gluten-free menu.  They even have several gluten-free cocktails from which to choose.

Bonefish Grill: Well-known for their seafood and fish dishes, they have an extensive gluten-free menu.  You can find them at the Dayton Mall.

Keep in mind that there are copious other chain restaurants and local eateries that cater to gluten-free patrons, so this is only a partial list.  If you dine in a mixed-kitchen, you can minimize your chance of cross-contamination by dining during off-hours (giving the staff time to honor your requests), speaking with management ahead of time about their measures to prevent cross-contamination, and ordering directly from a gluten-free menu instead of requesting custom-made dishes.  Additionally, it is recommended to purchase Triumph Dining’s gluten-free dining cards, which come in 10 languages and give tips for safely dining in a variety of world cuisines.

Gluten-Free Bakeries

419097_379813925380733_1681750395_nTina’s Sweet Treats: Many of her cookies and muffins can be found at Dorothy Lane Market, but you can also place an order by phone.  Tina also bakes cakes for all occasions along with the ever-so-hip cake pops.

Sonny Marie’s: While they primarily serve the Cincinnati market, Sonny Marie’s is slowly working its way upstream, as their products can be found in Health Foods Unlimited in Centerville.  They are best-known for their Sonny Tarts, which are a gluten-free and dairy-free version of the iconic PopTart.

AllerEnergy: Bringing a twist to the gluten-free market (literally and figuratively), this Centerville-based company makes allergen-free and gluten-free soft pretzels, marshmallows, and energy bars.  You can find their products at Dorothy Lane Market, across the United States, and even Canada.

Ella Bella Cookies: One of Dayton’s newest home bakeries, Ella Bella Cookies sells muffins, banana nut bread, lemon bars, whoopie pies, cookies, and other tasty treats.  You can call or email Ella Bella with your orders.

Moondance: Based in Cincinnati, you can find products by this award-winning, gluten-free bakery in more than 20 states and 40 Ohio cities
.  Make sure to try their individual-serving size cheesecakes and brownies.

Eban Bakery: While they are located in Columbus, Eban Bakery has expanded into the Cincinnati and Dayton health food markets.  Well-known for their breads and cookies, you can find their offerings at all three Dorothy Lane Market locations.

Support Groups

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DLM Support Group

A diagnoses of celiac disease can be a radical lifestyle change, especially in terms of how you adjust your grocery shopping, cooking, and dining.  To help you navigate the initially murky waters of living gluten-free, there are several support groups located within Dayton and the surrounding communities that can offer guidance, classes, and lectures for successfully integrating the gluten-free diet into your daily routine.

Cincinnati Celiac Support Group

Gluten-Intolerance Group of Central Ohio (The Gluten-Free Gang)

DLM Gluten-Free Food Lovers’ Club

Shopping

Now more than ever grocery stores strive to accommodate to their gluten-free patrons.  Several large chains, including Kroger’s, Wal-Mart, and Meijer’s, even have gluten-free sections and/or stickers to denote gluten-free products.  Below is a list of local grocery stores and health food stores that have a higher percentage of gluten-free product listings (and a few of them even have gluten-free guides).

South Dayton area: Dorothy Lane Market (three locations in south Dayton), Trader Joe’s (Kettering), Health Foods Unlimited (Miami Township), Olympia Health Food Center (Kettering), and Earth Fare (Centerville).

North Dayton area: Healthy Alternative (two locations), Natural Food Plus (Dayton), Nutra Foods (Huber Heights), Dayton Nutra Foods (Trotwood), Starflower Natural Foods (Yellow Springs), and To Your Health (Eaton).

Additional Resources

Celiac disease has only recently gained exposure within popular culture, so new information about this condition is always being disseminated.  With that in mind, staying abreast of the latest news and research is imperative and can change (usually for the better) your experience of this diet.  For more information, make sure to visit the Celiac Disease Foundation or The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness.

 

We Care Arts Celebrates 30 Years

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busyin the studioThirty years is a remarkable amount of time.  In a culture where TV shows are cancelled almost as soon as they begin, and businesses rise and fall with the latest trend, commanding longevity in an ever-changing world means you know how to leverage good fortune, anticipate change, and strategize for the future.

Celebrating their 30-year anniversary, We Care Arts, a Kettering non-profit that teaches art to people with disabilities, has succeeding in doing just that, and their place in the artistic and special needs communities continues to blossom.

“What we do here is very important to a lot of people,” explained Shari Hignite, the program coordinator for We Care Arts.  “Without us, many of our clients have nowhere else to go. Many of them have tried other agencies or methods to help them, but they have not had any success.  Art is a powerful tool, and our programs help them in ways that nothing else will.”

In 2012 alone, We Care Arts served about 900 clients across four counties in more than a dozen creative fields including woodworking, painting, knitting, sewing, and jewelry making.  These are awe-inspiring statistics, considering how they modestly began in a closet attached to the Rose E. Miller Recreation Center’s wood shop to accommodate two clients (one of which was taught by We Care Arts’ executive director, Terry Schalnat).

long view of studioFlash forward three decades.  We Care Arts experienced a rapid-fire expansion that included adding a gift shop, changing locations, and developing nearly two dozen outreach programs to aid as many demographics as possible.  And they are still expanding.  “We’ve been at our Wilmington Pike location for nine years, and it’s amazing how we are already busting at the seams,” said Brenda Thieman, We Care Arts’ bookkeeper.

During We Care Arts’ 30 years, the staff has witnessed radical transformations–mentally, emotionally, and spiritually–in many of their clients from their newfound sense of pride and self-worth.

“We have had so many people come through our doors broken, in mind and spirit,” mentioned Hignite.  “They come to us at their lowest low; at the beginning of the rebuilding process.  We provide them with advice, encouragement, and the tools to start moving upward.  Many of our clients have gone on to college, gotten jobs, started families, mended fences, left their abusers, and improved their lives.”

Considering the outpouring of inspirational stories, it’s no wonder that We Care Arts is celebrated by the citizens of Dayton.

“I think if we can continue to provide the community with a safe place for people, then we have met our goals,” offerlincoln park (1)ed Hignite.  “What we do here is very important to so many individuals, yet it is really simple.  We are kind. We are supportive, encouraging, loving, and caring.  It is amazing what people can do when given the right tools and a little encouragement.”

Hignite mentioned that We Care Arts has several new programs in the works.  They currently teach one class at each school they serve, but they have been asked to do more, in addition to piloting initiatives at other schools.  They are also thinking about creating more programs for nursing homes.

To supply their massive reach, We Care Arts is always in need of donations, both monetary and in-kind, and they also rely upon the dedication of sundry volunteers who help in-class, serve on committees, man the gift shop, and organize fundraisers in tandem to a variety of other duties.  But one of the best ways to contribute to this organization takes very little time.

“What I hope for the most is that more people become aware of us and visit our gift shop,” mentioned Hignite.  “When people purchase something made by our clients, it lifts them more than anything else. It is a validation that they are worth something.”

The gift shop certainly has something for everyone and every budget, offering paintings, comic books, household items, coffee mugs, baby blankets, cards, painted wine glasses, and more.  They also strive to offer a wide array of seasonal items, especially for Mother’s Day and Christmas, which are some of their busiest times in-store.

In talking with the We Care Arts’ staff, their passion for their vocation is evident, and it is certainly one of the driving forces behind We Care Arts’ success.

“This is the first job I have ever had that I love getting up to go to,” exclaimed Thieman.  “Even when I have a bad day, I can take a minute to just visit with a client, and my spirits are lifted.”

Echoing the comments of Thieman, Bruce Rill, a tenured instructor at We Care Arts, offered these parting words:

“Art has great value in the lives of all human beings, no matter where they are in life,” he explained. “We are blessed to use our gifts, all the while learning from others.”

We Care Arts will have their Garden Party fundraiser on Saturday, May 4th.  For more information about their programs and upcoming events, visit www.wecarearts.org or call 252-3937.  We Care Arts is located at 3035 Wilmington Pike, Kettering, OH, 45429.  Their gift shop is open Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Demystifying the Harp

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harpLet’s face it: harps are quite hip.  Between the ethereal compositions of indie darling, Joanna Newsom, and the top-40 covers of folk harpist, Amy Farrah Fowler (Sheldon’s neurobiologist, not-a-girlfriend on the hit CBS comedy, The Big Bang Theory), the harp has been plucked from obscurity into the limelight.

Leaving the pop culture references aside, there are so many intriguing questions about this complex instrument: Where did it originate?  What compels one to play it?  And, most pressing, how the heck do you carry it?

For starters, harps range in sizes, shapes, colors, and without question, prices.  They have also been in existence since ancient times, in numerous cultures, and are generally regarded as the oldest known stringed instrument.

To answer some burning questions about the harp and more, Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra’s Principal Harpist, Leslie Stratton Norris, recently took some time out of her busy schedule, which also includes directing her own ensemble, Harps of Grace, to candidly discuss her multi-decade career and share her passion for this varied topic.

Dayton Most Metro: Thanks for talking with us today.  What inspired you to study the harp?

Leslie Stratton Norris: When I was a kid there was an orchestra show on CBS with Leonard Bernstein called Young People’s Concerts. When they showed the harp player, I was smitten.  My mom took me to see a harpist in person shortly thereafter, and the harpist let me try it.  Even though I was three years old, I was totally convinced that this would be my life. My mom thought that my interest was a fad, but I pestered her to learn the harp for six more years.

DMM: Did you finally convince her?

LSN: Yes, I was nine years old when I got my first harp, so I dove into playing it with gusto.

DMM: What were those early lessons like?  Were you surprised by much?

LSN: I don’t recall being surprised by much. At that age, you just follow along and do what your teacher tells you to do, and all is well.  However, I had some difficulty with memorizing.  I’m a sight reader, and I resist memorizing. It’s far more fun to play new pieces all the time.

DMM: The size of a concert grand harp, being about six feet tall and weighing 80 pounds, is quite daunting.  How do you transport it?

LSN: Thankfully, we now have two-wheeled dollies that are made especially for the harp. With the dolly, my harp rolls along easily, and when loading it into my car, we lean and push, rather than having to pick it up.  When I was a kid, harp dollies did not exist unless someone invented their own model. My dad used to throw my harp up on his shoulder and carry it that way.

DMM: There was a hilarious skit on the IFC series, Portlandia, featuring Joanna Newsom trying to fit her concert grand harp into a Ford Focus.  I’m assuming a harp doesn’t easily fit into a compact car!  What type of car do most harpists buy?

LSN: Harpists tend to own large wagons or vans, but a full-sized (concert grand) harp does fit in my Subaru wagon.

DMM: Usually there are only one or two harpists on stage in an orchestra setting.  That’s a lot of pressure, being in the spotlight.  How you do handle performance anxiety?

LSN: Most of the time, there is just one harpist on stage, so if the harp sounds bad, everyone knows it is me!  Performance anxiety can be disabling for some players.  They can be good musicians and know their music, but they are unable to play it well in front of others. Those folks might try some therapies or even medications to help their anxiety. I am fortunate that most of the time, I can keep it together without such an aid.

DMM: Are there any myths you’d like to dispel about the harp?

LSN: The harp can play almost any kind of music.  It is a versatile, full-range instrument and can function like a piano within a classical, pop or jazz group. The harp also has much more sound than many people imagine. It is thought to be a soft instrument, which it can be, but a good harpist can play it with a tremendous amount of sound.

DMM: It is easy to see why so many people hire harpists for major life events, such as weddings.  Is there a gig in particular that you’d like to share or one that is particularly amusing?

LSN: I have enough funny stories to fill a book!  In Los Angeles I was hired to play for an outdoor pool party. The host had decided he wanted some “beautiful music” wafting through the air along with the sound of his water fountain next to the pool.  I arrived before the guests, moved my harp into position, and began to play as his guests arrived. After five or six people had gathered, someone said, “Into the pool!” and they all hopped into the pool…in their birthday suits!  More folks arrived, and the same thing happened.  Soon, I was the only person clothed, and thankfully I remained that way for the length of the party. I learned a valuable lesson: it is very hard to ask a host for your check when he is sans clothes, so I said “Thanks,” packed up at the end of the party, and billed him later.

DMM: Harpists have become quite hip in recent years.  Are you surprised that it took this long?

LSN: Often it takes specific performers with charisma and a twist to their performances to open up an instrument to a wider audience. With a performer such as Ravi Shankar on the sitar, that instrument was brought before audiences who never would have thought to listen to a sitar. Harps have been popular in different cultures as folk instruments and as an accompaniment to vocals for a long time, so it is good to see harp music in the limelight.

DMM: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

LSN: When I am lugging my harp around, one of the most frequent questions that comes my way is, “Don’t you wish you played the flute?’” Here is the answer: “No!”  In my opinion, the harp is the most beautiful, versatile, calming, joyous, warm, lovely, charming, and challenging instrument out there. Yes, hauling it around is daunting. Paying for it is daunting. Changing strings and maintaining it is daunting.  But nothing sounds like a harp, and nothing looks like a harp. When you are in love with the harp, all the difficulties of the instrument are naught compared to the joys of playing it and hearing it.

For more information about the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and its upcoming performances, visit www.daytonperformingarts.org.  The next Harps of Grace concert will take place at St. George’s Episcopal Church in Centerville on May 6th at 7:00 p.m.  This concert is free and will feature 12 harpists playing all styles of music.